The 8 Best U.S. Cities to Visit for a Quick Vacation

The best thing about visiting a new city is experiencing the thrill of adventure. From delicious food to rich history, there’s always something new to do. Whether you live close to these cities or you’re planning on making a trip to the USA, here's 8 of the best U.S. cities to visit on your next vacation (in no particular order):

1. Portland, Oregon

As Oregon’s largest city, Portland has steadily been on the rise as a hotspot for food and beer connoisseurs. It’s nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers with a stunning view of snowy Mount Hood which only adds to the thriving artistic culture.

Portland is also home to beautiful parks, bridges and bike paths, making this city a top choice for outdoor adventurists. If you’re looking for more breathtaking escapades, Portland is nearby to a few national forests including Mount Hood National Forest and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

2. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville rightfully owns up to it’s nickname as “Music City,” the hub for live music, nightclubs and record stores. Home to The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and an endless list of rich restaurants, this southern city is a top contender for your next weekend trip.

With over 10,000 acres of green space and almost 100 parks, there are dozens of must see historic attractions like the Athenian Parthenon and Fort Nashborough.

3. New York, New York

The greatest thing about “the city that never sleeps” is that every visit feels like a you’re exploring for the first time. At any hour of the day or night, you’ll find a new restaurant or food truck, a new Broadway show to catch or even a new secret speakeasy to try your luck getting into.

The holidays can get a little crazy in New York, but if you can catch a parade on Thanksgiving or attend the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, you won’t be disappointed.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas might be the only city that “never sleeps” more than New York City. From iconic hotels and casinos like Caesars Palace or the Venetian, there’s a bottomless list of good eats, dive-bars and nightclubs to visit in between your poker and blackjack binges.

It’s easy to get carried away in Las Vegas, so make sure you visit some free attractions like the beautiful botanical gardens at The Bellagio. If you plan ahead, you can even take advantage of coupons and local offers to help your entertainment budget last just a little bit longer.

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s coastal cliffs, tremendous views of Mount Rainier and crisp air are only some of the reasons why you should plan a weekend trip to this city. With a skyline to die for and coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries spread throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, you’re sure to make a return trip in the future.

While you’re in Seattle, make sure you visit the Washington Park Arboretum. It’s home to the largest Japanese garden outside Japan! The Seafair Festival is also a special city tradition to join if you’re visiting in the summer. You can catch a local lock party, parade or watch the Albert Lee Appliance Cup Hydroplane races. This beautiful city really has a lot to offer.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is the perfect destination to get a taste of cajun cuisine or to gaze upon historic French and Spanish Creole architecture. It’s the birthplace of Jazz, so music and celebrations are ingrained in this city’s culture.

You have to try savory southern dishes like Creole jambalaya and fresh boiled crawfish. If you’re looking for some night time entertainment, head over to Bourbon Street for some drinks and music. It’s a bar crawler’s dream come true.

7. Austin, Texas

Austin is a unique city with a thriving culture. Their legendary live music scene means there are always music festivals to attend, especially for country, blues and rock fans. Plan on eating 4 or 5 meals a day the unofficial barbecue capital of the world, where there’s good food on every corner.

You’ll find tons of green parks and bike trails, but if the triple-digit summer temperatures are overwhelming, dip inside one of the local lakes or step inside the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

8. Washington, DC

Home to must see monuments and museums that pay tribute to American history, Washington DC’s historical sites alone are enough of a reason to visit. With so much to offer, you’ll likely want to spend more than a few days here (or come back for another visit).

Standing dwarfed underneath a 19-foot tall statue of President Lincoln or watching the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery is sure to give you a new appreciation for U.S. history and culture.

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Guest Contribution by Brennan Flentge.